Iowa DOT News Release

Lane Restrictions on I-80 in Johnson County Begin April 8 #iatraffic

Posted on: April 05, 2013

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – April 5, 2013 – Bridge construction work will require restricting traffic lanes in both directions of Interstate 80 at the Oxford interchange (mile marker 230) in Johnson County beginning Monday night, April 8, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Cedar Rapids construction office. Work will be completed in stages with restrictions during the day and night.

Stage 1 will be completed during nighttime hours starting Monday night, April 8. Traffic will be restricted to one lane while work is done to strengthen the shoulders in order to handle traffic pattern changes in later project stages. Stage 1 should be done by April 15.

Stage 2 is scheduled to start by April 15. The road reconstruction work will be done on the inside lane. Traffic will be restricted to two 10-foot-wide lanes in each direction from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the weekdays; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. However, traffic will be restricted to only one lane during the other hours. Stage 2 should be completed by May 19.

Stage 3 will consist of repairing the middle section of the lanes and should begin by May 20. Traffic will be restricted to two 10-foot-wide lanes in each direction with work going on in between these two lanes. Traffic restrictions will be the same as mentioned in Stage 2. Stage 3 should be done by June 23.

Stage 4 consists of reconstruction of the outside lane. This stage should start by June 24. Traffic will be restricted to two 10-foot-wide lanes in each direction. Traffic restrictions will be the same hours as mentioned in Stage 2. Stage 4 should be done by Aug. 4.

Stage 5 is when traffic will be restricted to one lane at night to allow for placement of rumble strips and prepare for the opening of I-80 back to the original traffic flow, which is expected by Aug. 11, weather permitting.

During Stages 2, 3 and 4, temporary barrier rail will be used to divide traffic lanes and separate traffic from the work area. Also, the eastbound loop will be closed during the nighttime hours in Stage 3 and completely closed during Stage 4. More information will be provided before these project-related activities are in place.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles and wear seat belts.